The English Need to Win Next Match or Series Will Get Humiliating - Legendary Bowler

Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I have no issue with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.